Features

Keep your eyes peeled when you walk the trails at Kirby Preserve – you may find some small surprises, like this wood frog, among the wetlands!

Don’t skip out on visiting Kirby Preserve because it’s one of the smallest public properties in the area. As you walk through the entrance onto the trail, you’ll immediately see how special this 3.8-acre preserve is. The highlight is a certified vernal pool: a temporary pond where species like frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians breed in spring.

Trails

The 0.2-mile trail at Kirby Preserve has two short loops that are connected by a small footbridge across a stream. The trail will only take you about 15-30 minutes to explore – but you may find yourself lingering to admire the natural beauty of the wetlands and forest. The trails can be a little muddy in spots, so wear waterproof footwear. (Download trail map)

Habitats & Wildlife

If you want to explore a wetland habitat, Kirby Preserve is the perfect place. These habitats are teeming with wildlife, particularly in spring and summer. The trail leads directly to the vernal pool, where you can look carefully for egg masses along the water’s edge during breeding season. As you walk through the woods, keep a lookout for frogs, birds, and evidence of woodland mammals.

Property Owned By

Rochester Land Trust

The Rochester Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve Rochester's natural heritage and rural character for current and future generations. Since 1997, the Rochester Land Trust has secured over 450 acres for conservation.